Sam Houston determined to prove skeptics wrong

Sam Houston determined to prove skeptics wrong

By Jeff Jenkins

Published 3:18 pm, Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Most of the experts have Sam Houston at the very bottom of the District 20-6A football standings.

But Sam Houston's second-year head coach Larkay James disagrees with the preseason polls. He is optimistic that the Tigers, who finished 0-10 a year ago before getting a late forfeit against Westbury for using an ineligible player, will surprise everyone.

"Our goal is to win four games at least," James said. "I'm sure that may shock some people, but we should be much-improved."

An influx of gifted 10th-graders could transform Sam Houston's football fortunes in the foreseeable future.

"We have some really talented young kids, especially at quarterback, wide receiver and running back," James said. "They've worked really hard in the weight room to change their bodies. They look different."

But, will they play differently? Sam Houston was often overwhelmed by the competition in District 20-6A, which features powerhouses such as Lamar, Bellaire and Westside.

"After last season, I think the youngsters will be fine," James said. "Hopefully, we'll be as good as those teams in a couple of years."

James is counting on Michael Green, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound sophomore, to enjoy a breakout season at quarterback.

"Michael has improved his mechanics. He's reading coverages a lot better," James said. "Michael had a good (summer) 7-on-7 season. The whole team did."

While the receivers are on the small side, that's not the case at tight end. Carlton Prejean, a 6-5, 260-pound senior, is an imposing target and one of the elite athletes on the roster; Prejean was part of the Tigers' district championship boys basketball team.

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Ready to surprise: The Sam Houston football team didn't win a game on the field a year ago, although they picked up a forfeit win against Westbury. However, head coach Larkay James believes his squad can be a sleeper in District 20-6A this fall.

Prime opportunity: Sam Houston will be heavily favored in its season opener against Class 4A Washington at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Cowart Stadium.

"Carlton was already a pretty good defensive end, but we plan to use him more on offense," James said. "Carlton has soft hands and is running better routes. With his size, we've got to get him the ball more."

There's a hole at running back, but freshman Benjamin Dunn (5-8, 190) has impressed the coaching staff with his powerful running style.

The offensive line is promising, with massive junior Elton Seals (6-0, 350) at center and senior Michael Franco (6-1, 300) at guard.

"Elton is light on his feet for a big guy. Michael is one of our better linemen," James said. "But we have a couple of spots on the line that need to be filled."

Defensively, Sam Houston should be imposing up front, with Seals at nose guard and Franco and Prejean at defensive end. The Tigers hope to find a few more bodies.

There is no shortage of depth at linebacker.

Senior Keith Brown (5-10, 220) should be one of Sam Houston's leading tacklers. Brown will play inside backer along with juniors Jodeci Glenn (5-8, 230) and Mario Reveles (5-11, 220). Senior Paul Allen III (5-7, 230), a hybrid linebacker/defensive end, also is available.